Vodafone has made what it’s calling the UK’s first satellite-enabled smartphone video call.
The carrier has said the call — which was made from a “remote mountain” in west Wales — is part of its plan to add satellite connectivity to its phone network across the UK by end of 2025, with Europe following next year.
The company’s boss, Margherita Della Valle, said the project could help eliminate so-called “not spots,” which are places without mobile signal.
The call was made by an engineer to Della Valle in an area that has never had mobile coverage before, and while the quality isn’t perfect, it appears stable, even with some lag.
Vodafone links up with 5 satellites
They teamed up with AST SpaceMobile for the satellite service, with five low Earth orbit BlueBird satellites launched to date.
It connects using standard 4G and 5G signals, meaning phones don’t need dedicated satellite components to connect.
Della Valle said: “Vodafone’s job is to get everyone connected, no matter where they are.
“We are bringing customers the best network and connecting people who have never had access to mobile communications before.
“This will help to close the digital divide, supporting people from all corners of Europe to keep in touch with family and friends, or work, as well as ensuring reliable rural connectivity in an emergency.”
Currently, many Android and iPhone handsets have emergency satellite connectivity, but it only supports messages.
